ART THRIVES IN FORT COLLINS. Dozens of art galleries and theater and music performances dazzle spectators year-round. A host of arts and entertainment choices, including Old Town Gallery Tours, outdoor concerts and a busy performing arts schedule make Fort Collins ideal for performers and artists as well as those that partake in the local arts.

Residents and visitors also enjoy the atmosphere of Old Town Fort Collins, which was recently renovated to restore buildings and foster greater enjoyment of the area. An array of restaurants, pubs, breweries, and cafes scatter the streets in Old Town. While locally owned stores and boutiques offer a unique shopping experience.

Fort Collins is also home to several breweries. Namely Anheuser-Busch, New Belgium Brewing Company and Odell’s Brewing Company give folks the best access to the best beer in the country.

• AMELIA CARUSO (artist), (970) 219-3228, www.ameliacaruso.com
• BENSON GALLERY, 123 N. College Ave., (970) 223-6450, www.ncaa-bensongallery.com. Paintings, sculpture, photography, prints, pottery and cards by local and regional artists.
• CENTER FOR FINE ART PHOTOGRAPHY 400 N. College Ave, (970) 224-1010, www.c4fap.org
• CSU CURFMAN GALLERY, Lory Student Center, Colorado State University, (970) 491-5838, www.curfman.colostate.edu. Six to seven rotating visual art displays by student, regional, national and international artists.
• HATTON GALLERY, Visual Arts Building, Colorado State University, (970) 491-1989 www.colostate.edu. Rotating art exhibits and events by students, national and international artists.
• LINCOLN CENTER VISUAL ARTS PROGRAM, 417 W. Magnolia St., (970) 221-6735, www.fcgov.com/lctix/. The Lincoln Center features three indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture garden. The Lincoln Center presents over 20 exhibits a year.
• MEKO'S GALLERY & FRAMING, 133 Remington St., (970) 221-4208, www.MekosGalleryandFraming.com.

• AVERY HOUSE MUSEUM, 328 W. Mountain Ave., 970-221-0533. Built in 1879; decorated and furnished to the original 1800s-style of the Avery family. Tours by appointment.
• BREWERIES & BREWPUBS, Big Horn Brewing Co. & Clubhouse, H.C. Berger Brewing Co., Linden's Brewing Co., New Belgium Brewing Co., Odell Brewing Co. Brewery tours and tastings.
• DISCOVERY SCIENCE CENTER, 703 E. Prospect Rd., (970) 472-3990, www.dcsm.org. Hands-on science activities including a Starlab Planetarium and rotating exhibits.
• ENVIRONMENTAL LEANING CENTER, 2400 Zeigler Rd., (970) 491-1661, www.warnercnr.colostate.edu/elc/. Programs, classes and other educational environmental activities for all ages.
• FORT COLLINS MUSEUM, 200 Mathews St., (970) 221-6738, www.fcgov.com/museum/. Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Fort Collins as well as traveling shows.
• SWETZVILLE ZOO, 4801 E. Harmony Rd., (970) 484-9509, www.frommers.com/destinations/fortcollins/A27390.html. More than 150 scrapmetal sculptures of dinosaurs, flowers, animals, insects.

• BAS BLEU THEATRE COMPANY, 216 Pine St., (970) 498-8949, www.basbleu.org. Plays, poetry and prose readings, concerts, improvisational comedy, children's shows, performance workshops and gallery exhibits.
• CANYON CONCERT BALLET, 1031 Conifer St., (970) 472-4156, www.ccballet.org. Dance training and performances.
• CAROUSEL DINNER THEATRE, 3509 S. Mason St., (970) 225-2555, www.adinnertheatre.com. Dinner and rotating entertainment.
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC, THEATRE & DANCE, (970) 491 -5116, www.colostate.edu/Depts/Music/. Various performances throughout the year including a summer outdoor theater.
• DEBUT THEATRE, 827 Riverside Ave., (970) 224-5774, www.debuttheatre.org. Youth acting classes and performances by children.
• FORT COLLINS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, 214 S. College Ave, (970) 482-4823, www.fcsymphony.org. Masterworks Program & Sunday Series Concerts.
• THE LINCOLN CENTER, 417 W. Magnolia St., (970) 221-6730, www.lctix.com. Performing arts center; diverse professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and children's programs.
• OPENSTAGE THEATRE & COMPANY, (970) 484-5237, www.openstagetheatre.org. Theater, educational outreach and professional opportunities.

• DOWNTOWN & OLD TOWN SQUARE, (970) 484-6500, www.downtownfortcollins.com. Pedestrian mall in historic downtown; shops, restaurants and bars.
• FOOTHILLS MALL, 215 E. Foothills Pkwy., (970) 226-5555, www.shopfoothills.com. More than 110 stores, including Foley's, Mervyns, Sears, JC Penney, Gap, The Limited, Bath and Body Works and other specialty stores.